Ch 10
Teaspoon gathered Audrey in his arms as she cried. He looked to Jimmy.
"Go. Noah and the others are trapped in the mine."
He ran over to help Buck and Cody dig. They carried rock after rock. They finally had a hole big enough to crawl through. They looked to Buck.
"You have to go. These damn dresses." Said Jimmy.
Buck crawled his way inside. Soon Sheila eased out followed by Mary. The boys stuffed the money through the hole. Ike, Noah, and Buck crawled outside. Teaspoon brought Audrey over. Lou was tending Kid's leg. Ike and Noah only had a few scratches. The girls were just filthy to their dismay. They all sat for awhile and took a moment.
"Well ladies. It's over." Said Teaspoon.
"Not yet. It seems I now own a riverboat." Said Mary.
"Yes, it seems that it is just beginning." Said Sheila.
"A new beginning." Smiled Audrey.
"Max?" Asked Mary.
"Dead." Said Audrey.
Mary and Sheila looked down at their feet.
"Our condolences Audrey." Said Sheila.
"None needed. He was my son of a bitch husband and he needed to die by my hand. He was the devil's spawn. Now we are finally free." Audrey said as she hugged Mary and Sheila.
"Let's get everyone back to Emma's and cleaned up. I'll come collect these fellas later." Said Teaspoon.
Jimmy and Cody walked back to the carriage.
"Jimmy? Why are you still in that dress?" Asked Audrey.
"Cause Mr. Responsibility over there left our clothes."
"I'm sorry. I was trying so hard to look the part that I just simply forgot."
"Whatever. I'm so ready to get this thing off. I'm sweaty and it's chafing."
"Jimmy, why is that lovely dress chafing you?" Smiled Teaspoon.
"It ain't the dress, it's the damn corset."
Everyone burst out laughing. Jimmy stopped tugging at his dress and stared at all of them.
"Corset?" Laughed Buck and Ike.
"Of course, how do you think they fit into those dresses." Said Sheila seriously.
The group loaded up and headed back to the station laughing as they went.
The ladies stayed for another two days before heading back home. They made arrangements to ride the stage instead of traveling alone.
"Y'all sure y'all have to leave so soon? Your welcome to stay longer." Said Emma.
"Yes ma'am. Mary is now the proud owner of her very own riverboat. We need to get back and get it moving." Said Audrey.
"There is money to be made after all." Said Mary.
"Yes, it's finally time to do it our way." Said Sheila.
"Thank you for everything, Teaspoon. We surely wouldn't have made it without your help. And thank you boys, for it all." Said Audrey.
"Come visit us some time. You can stay with us on the house." Said Mary.
"Maybe we will." Smiled Cody.
"I think I will name my boat, Sweetwater after this place. We won't be hard to find." Smiled Mary.
"We might can use Cody. I could train him." Smiled Sheila.
"I think I can already be pretty persuasive. I had you hooked." Said Cody.
"You thought you did." Smirked Sheila.
Audrey and Mary laughed. The group climbed into the stage.
"I'll sit by the window Sheila." Stated Mary.
"Why are you such a bitch? And so bossy?" Said Sheila.
Audrey stuck her head out and rolled her eyes as the stage pulled away.
Teaspoon and the boys walked back to the station. They went to finish their chores for the day. Lou and Kid walked inside the bunkhouse.
"Hey! Y'all come here!" Screamed Lou.
They all dropped their things and ran over. On each of their bunks was a bundle of cash. They picked it up and looked at each other.
"It's a thousand dollars each." Said Kid in shock.
Teaspoon and Emma ran over to the bunkhouse, each holding their own bundle of cash.
"Y'all too?" Asked Teaspoon.
Jimmy and Cody held up cash. They also held up their dresses. The note on the table said,
Thanks again for it all. We hope a grand each will help you in any endeavors that you may have. Jimmy and Cody, we left your dresses also. You boys might want to look pretty again one day. Again thank you all. We can't say it enough. Come visit us now.
Audrey, Mary, and yours truly Sheila
Teaspoon looked at the boys.
"Well boys, I don't know what to say."
"I do. Imagine all the pretty things this could buy." Said Cody staring at his money.
"Get over it already Cody. Ya weren't that nice looking of a woman." Said Jimmy.
"I have to agree with Jimmy." Said Teaspoon.
"He was actually the prettier one, what with all his curls." Said Teaspoon.
Jimmy shook his head and looked down.
"Red was his color." Said Emma.
Jimmy laughed as the others started giggling.
"I was kinda pretty wasn't I?"
The End.